Texas' Kabongo suspended for 'unethical conduct, accepting benefits'

Dec. 22, 2012
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Texas guard Myck Kabongo, right, watches from the sidelines in a game against Fresno State this season. Kabongo has been sitting out this season and could now miss the rest of the season. / Brendan Maloney, USA TODAY Sports

by Scott M Gleeson, USA TODAY Sports

by Scott M Gleeson, USA TODAY Sports

Kabongo must sit out 23 games for "unethical conduct" and repay $475 in impermissible benefits, according to an appeal decision made by the Division I Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement. Yahoo! Sports reported Wednesday night that the NCAA would suspend Texas guard Kabongo for the rest of the 2012-13 season.

After starting 34 games last season for the Longhorns, Kabongo hasn't played this season because the NCAA was investigating to see if he was working with an agent last May when he was deciding whether to declare for the NBA Draft after a breakout freshman campaign. He has already missed the first 11 games of the season and won't be eligible to play for Rick Barnes and the Longhorns until Feb. 13 against Iowa State.

"Our thoughts now are with Myck Kabongo and his family," Texas coach Rick Barnes said in a statement. "We feel for Myck. He made some mistakes early in this process, and he put himself in a tough position. That said, he was truthful and forthcoming when he talked with the NCAA."

The case submitted by the university revealed that Kabongo accepted airfare and personal training instruction. According to the Yahoo! Sports report, Kabongo participated in an NBA-style workout with former Texas player and Cleveland Cavaliers player Tristan Thompson. The main detail the NCAA was looking into had to do with contact with an agent -- possibly Rich Paul who also represents Miami Heat star LeBron James. Kabongo reportedly worked out with Thompson with trainer Jerry Powell present.

"We believe that this ruling by the NCAA completely exonerates the notion of any wrongdoing by my client Rich Paul," Nance said in a statement. "Paul expresses his support for Myck Kabongo and his family and strongly believes in the player's future."

The case also revealed that Kabongo provided false and misleading information during two separate interviews with university officials.

"We are glad this is now behind us and happy Myck will get an important part of the season back," Texas athletic director DeLoss Dodds said in a statement. "I appreciate Myck's attitude through all of this. He has cooperated fully with the university and the NCAA and he has absolutely taken care of his business academically."

The Longhorns were counting on Kabongo to be the starting point guard. He averaged 9.6 points and 5.2 assists as a freshman.

Despite a rocky start to this season, Texas pulled off a huge upset with an 85-67 win over North Carolina on Wednesday. The Longhorns face Michigan State on Saturday.